Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Very good vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By swobig - February 16 - 12:16 pm

  This vehicle was a replacement for a Grand Caravan and although we lost some interior space, it is a very versatile, smooth, and comfortable vehicle. We recently took a 12 hour trip and it was very comfortable. I really like the was this bigger vehicle handles, it has good power, and I like the features it has. Im glad Honda didnt succom to the employee pricing gimmick which would have made all of ours worth less. My only complaints would be its bland styling, and somewhat weak radio. Im also not a fan of the cruise control button, but this is minor. It drives/handles well, gets decent mileage for a big SUV, has good power, is very versitle, and comfortable - everything you need.

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  05 Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By C Moore - February 15 - 3:43 pm

  Overall excellent, this is my first Honda purchased after reviewing serveral web sites and looking at four other SUVs. Honda won out based on overall features and price.

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  MomMachine - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Leilani - February 15 - 1:51 am

  Decent so far, reliable Honda SUV roomy enough, comfortable, AWD great for east coast where we just had 3feet of snow. Its not fancy, its not stripped down, its just right for everyday driving and commuting. My last Hionda vehicle ( Civic) going strong still 80,000 miles no issues, hoping the same for this 2016

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  Great Car except for One Thing - 2008 Honda Accord
  By KarMeg12 - February 14 - 7:23 pm

  I loved this car when I took it for a test drive. I was a Toyota fan for years, but this time Honda won me over. My decision came down to the Camry or Accord. I decided to go for the car with more pep (Accord) rather than the one with the smoother and quieter ride (Camry). I thought I could just turn up the stereo to drown out the Accords notorious road noise. Boy was I wrong. The premium sound system is below par any other standard sound systems Ive had in any of my previous low end models (various makes). I took the car back to the dealership and was told there was nothing that could be done, this was the premium system and there are no upgrades available.

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  Great Purchase - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Allison McKenzie - February 14 - 4:25 pm

  Glad I purchased! Clean smooth feel for my commuter vehicle.

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  Serious Transmission Problems - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Suzi - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have always been a Honda lover. However, with only 2 more car payments to go, the transmission began to slip severely, with only 70,000 miles. The problem only occurred when starting the car cold. After the engine warmed up, the transmission ran like a new car. The car is currently at the dealership, and they rebuilt the transmission which did not correct the problem. The 2000+ Accords had a cold- start transmission problem, and Honda offered extended transmission warranties, but this does not apply to my 98. I am very surprised and disappointed. I plan to get rid of the car as soon as the Honda dealership can figure out how to fix it!

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  2003CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By qadeb - February 13 - 12:04 am

  Great SUV. Fun to drive, well designed. Love the 4WD on demand. Has saved us in snow, ice, & mud. Holds plenty of family and gear. Tows small boat ok. Never a problem except Air compressor blew up at 50,000 mi. Whole system had to be replaced. Honda provided parts but cost $700 in dealer labor. Have heard this is a problem for others.

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  Old Faithful - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Chris - February 12 - 11:18 pm

  My Accord is still going strong after the two years that Ive had it. It now has 136,000 miles, and still no major mechanical problems. One power window went out, trim piece on drivers door broke off, power antenna stopped working, and one speaker has died. As of lately, the display on the original radio goes off and on. Putting my finger in the cassette slot and pulling out usually solves the problem. So far it has been worth the $5,000 I paid for it. I plan on driving it at least another year or so until I get a pay raise, then Ill get a newer Honda.

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  Accord Hybrid Touring - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By K. Roberts - February 12 - 9:35 pm

  Purchased two weeks ago and so far so good. Fuel economy is around 42mpg --mostly city driving. The fit and finish is pretty darn good for the money. The car is good looking and not a Prius (but has the mpg performance). The only disappointments so far are the passenger side front seat does not have same adjustment capability as driver seat (seat base does not go up or down) and (IMHO) the Navigation is not intuitive and should be 100% voice interfaced. Nav not worth the money. Perhaps an app interface with Waze or Google maps similar to existing Pandora interface? Future adds: A rear seat access power plug/usb and rear thermostat for climate control would be nice . Also a driver seat vibrating lane departure warning would be perfect .... The lack of trunk space is not too bad. Others have complained about the CVT transmission/motor noise-- It has been a non issue for us. Performance and acceleration are good. Rear Seat leg room is exceptionally good. Over all we are happy with purchase and look forward to more drive time. Winter traction and over all cold weather performance will be in follow up review....stay tuned. UPDATE 10/8/2017 Its been over a year and my wife loves the car. Performance in the snow was better than expected. Traction control works well. Have not reset the MPG computer and it reads 37 mpg over all. Gas mileage is not competitive compared to a Prius etc. No mechanical or electrical issues. The advertised mpg of 50/45 is bologna. That said --The Accord is still a really great value and a sharp looking car.

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  honda is the best - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jim winslow - February 12 - 5:52 pm